IM WI Race Report: Part III

Well, here’s the last portion of my race report: the run. It is always a very unique time during an Ironman. You know you’ve trained hard for the run portion, but you also wonder how your body will hold up. It is also nice to have a more personal interaction with spectators and other racers, so you feel less lonely. And you just cannot beat IM WI crowd on the run. I mean…We are running on State street afterall!

I leave the transition area as quickly as I can…Man, I could stay in this cool, indoor transition all day long! It is so cozy and inviting…As soon as I make my way out, I see my good friend and great running partner Rob, who snaps a picture and he is all smiles and cheers. It gives me a boost since we have to go uphill right away, leaving transition. I don’t know what position I am in, but I know it must be up there. Not sure I want to know either. Even though no goal time was discussed with my coach, I still have a time in my mind. Quick math and I realize that a 9:30 min/mile pace will get me there. It is therefore doable. My legs are actually quite responsive, so I am grateful. It so nice to have your name on your bib, so even complete strangers call you by your name. What a boost. I concentrate though. It is too easy to get caught up in the action and cheers. I’ve got a job to do and it is to run as fast as I can to the finish line. Then we can celebrate. Not before.

By mile 11, I know something is wrong. My ebergy level is way low and my stomach feel bloated and full. It happened to me before. What to do? Keep going and bunk later? Instead, I decide to start walking. I do not panic and tell myself it is only to relieve my upset stomach. A few burps later and I am now ready to go again. Burps never felt so good!

The course is not easy. Lot’s of ups and downs, turns, etc. I just keep looking about 3 feet ahead of me. That’s it. I concentrate on the “now” since I am not sure how I will feel in 10 min. By the time I hit the turn around, at the half-marathon mark, I know I can easily run 10min/mile and and still make it by 6pm. So in my head, with every mile marker, I have 10 less minute to go. My legs burn, I feel weak and I am in pain. I know this pain, and I have mastered it before, and I am determined to do it again. With 2 miles to go, I tell myself I have 20 more minutes…My math is now way off and can barely understand my watch, where I am at and how far I need to go. I just want to finish.

Then the finishing chute…I have goose pumps just thinking about it. You turn the last corner than you see it. The energy, the people, the Finish sign…I look up, and I see 10:38. Then I start sobbing. Not even crying, but just plain sobbing. I am relieved, happy, in pain, hungry, excited to be done, happy that the training paid off.

There is nothing quite like getting to the finish line of an Ironman. Something about the atmosphere, but also something about the 1 year preparation and dedication that leads you to it.

I am so excited for Team It Ain’t Us. They’ve worked so hard, and were so dedicated. I am so very proud  of all of them. They deserve to toe the line this Sunday, and I will be so excited to see them race and do well.

Good Luck to Team It Ain’t Us!!!

Thanks for reading